Clinical and neurophysiological study of peroneal nerve mononeuropathy after substantial weight loss in patients suffering from major depressive and schizophrenic disorder: Suggestions on patients' management
2008

Peroneal Nerve Issues After Weight Loss in Psychiatric Patients

Sample size: 9 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Papagianni Aikaterini, Oulis Panagiotis, Zambelis Thomas, Kokotis Panagiotis, Koulouris George C, Karandreas Nikos

Primary Institution: Aeginition Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece

Hypothesis

What are the predisposing factors for peroneal nerve mononeuropathy in psychiatric patients after substantial weight loss?

Conclusion

Patients with major depressive and schizophrenic disorders have multiple risk factors for peroneal palsy, which necessitates better management and early intervention.

Supporting Evidence

  • All patients had excessive weight loss of more than 10% of their initial body weight.
  • Clinical and neurophysiological evaluations indicated isolated damage to the peroneal nerve.
  • Six patients did not have concomitant pathology nor did they receive medications known to cause peripheral neuropathy.

Takeaway

Some people with mental health issues can hurt a nerve in their leg after losing a lot of weight quickly, and doctors need to pay attention to this.

Methodology

Nine psychiatric inpatients underwent clinical neurological and neurophysiological examinations to assess peroneal nerve damage.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in patient selection and reporting due to the psychiatric conditions.

Limitations

The study is retrospective and based on a small sample size of psychiatric patients.

Participant Demographics

Nine Caucasian psychiatric inpatients (8 male, 1 female) aged 29 to 73 years.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1749-7221-3-24

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